Sex, lies & money are all part of the game

Laws in India aren’t stringent
Along with women, even children are exploited in our industry. Making laws stringent would not help. The lure of money and the craze of gaining popularity and fame in a short span are too good to resist for some. Many young aspirants who hail from small towns in India are aware of the existing casting couch and have no objections. Why would anyone scuttle their career by filing a complaint? Leniency is shown not just towards celebs but also politicians and their children as well. Its money that influences these kinds of cases and it is very evident. This is very sad but true.
—Padmakshi Parkhe, content writer

Exploitation exists everywhere
Yes, exploitation is everywhere. It could be in form of a sexual favour or in any other form like corruption. Of course the Indian laws need to get strict and also quicker regarding such cases. At the same time, women too need to be careful and not trust any smooth talker. Especially young models and aspirants need to be on their guard. And law has to strict for both sides. Cases regarding molestation or sexual exploitation need to be dealt with care. It shouldn't be the case that people are trapping others under the name of exploitation, with the assumption that law is on their side.  
—Milind Dumbare, technical expert

What about Shiney Ahuja case?
Casting couch exists everywhere in the world, and it is definitely prevalent in our industry as well. But I don't think that many would stand up and file a complaint because of the mindset of society and fear of being ridiculed. In India when something related to celebrities comes up, there is a big noise made about it, but it soon fades away. Why is there no update regarding the Shiney Ahuja case? I am sure there will be no verdict on this anytime soon. For me, 'justice denied is justice delayed' so whatever decision is taken it should be accurate as there are reports that Jon is a victim of racism.  
—Amita Mehta, singer

Men face harassment too
I have only heard or read about the casting couch and never come across people who have experienced it. They are few rare cases that come out in the public once in a while. Therefore, I feel that sexual exploitation has still not touched our entertainment industry. Also, we need to stop stereotyping it because even males are exploited by women. Few cases that are brought up are dragged for years in courts. Hence, the Indian law surely needs to get quick with its decisions rather then prolonging it so that more women can come out and fight. If a celeb has committed a hideous crime then strict action should be taken against him.
—Tapan Mehta, manager

Laws in our country are lenient
Exploitation exists in each and every industry but in our industry it is done under a guise. Everyone is aware about the misdemeanors taking place but no one will admit to it. They all want to reach the top, and all this helps in making their chances better. As far as laws go, it has always been lenient towards the celebrities. They may not always be at fault, but when they are, then it is extremely unfair that they walk scot-free while others have to pay a heavy price and jail time for their crimes. I think this sentence against Anand Jon will act as a deterrent for others in future and they will think twice before committing such heinous crimes in future.
—Supriya Joshi, content writer

Competition makes one give in
The industry has seen many cases of sexual harassment for years. This only shows that how much of it is being affected and ruined by the problem. The main reason for it to happen is the ever increasing competition and the glamour that surrounds it. Today, everyone wants everything fast and in the process forget about morals and norms of the society. It can be kept in check by having stringent laws but self governance is the best possible solution, as such incidents happen under cover. I think law is equal to all and celebs are always under scanner for small things, we need to find though a solution which will keep things in control.
—Haresh Nayak, senior manager

People are willing to stoop low
Exploitation in return of a favour is a part of the glamour industry. The very fact that there are people who are willing to stoop to any level to get a role in a movie or become a model implies that someone on the other side is taking advantage of this. Also, one keeps hearing about such incidents now and then which proves it. I think people should come out and report it rather than stay mum in the fear of being shunned by the society. Our society can be very judgmental at times but culprits need to be punished. And as far as justice is concerned it needs to be faster, not only in such cases but in general we need a change.
—Mustafa Syed, media manager

Expert view:

Family honour stops women from coming out of the closet
Indian-American fashion designer Anand Jon Alexander has been sentenced to a minimum of 59 years in prison by a court for preying upon aspiring models and even sexually assaulting them. Such kinds of cases are common in India as well. And the laws here are not stringent at all. Those found guilty get away very easily, thanks to the many loopholes in our judiciary system. But then at the same time, I would not only blame the judiciary but also our social norms.
Victims still don't come out in the open and admit that they have been sexually molested or have been mistreated. They are scared that their family honour will be tarnished and they are worried about the social stigma. Worse, they end up withdrawing the cases. Family name and honour continues to remain a prime concern for girls in our country. The fault lies with the society and legal norms. We need to revamp the system and through the right education we can help change the society's attitude.
Nandini Sardesai, sociologist

We’re insensitive towards such cases
Sexual harassment or assault is not new; we have similar cases from across the sectors all over the country. It is not just limited to the glamour world but can be found even in villages. In India, women are too scared to come out and complain about sexual harassment unlike the West. Most of these women—aspiring models, actors— come from small towns and prefer to stay quiet because they don't want to be stigmatised by the society.
Another reason why women avoid coming out is the way our courts function. The cases here go on for years. No doubt, that today we have fast track courts but even they take a long time to give a judgment.
Also, we are not sensitive towards such issues. Few bold women who come out are questioned on the grounds of morality and then these cases are sensationalised by the media. Therefore, we need to change our outlook towards such issues and also change the way our courts function. Until and unless, this is done, women will prefer to stay quiet and get victimised by powerful people.
Flavia Agnes, lawyer and social activist